Sally Benjamin presents the Monte AnticoT he Bulldogs and Gamecocks were everywhere Friday night at Wine World‘s First Friday Tasting. With the Border Bash starting across the river it was nice to stop and enjoy six nice little wines before heading over what is best described as a beer crowd.
I talked to John and Dolores who said this was their first ever wine tasting. For first timers I think this was a nice place to start. No over the top wines tonight. Another taster commented that nothing tonight was super dry. Everything had a bit of fruit forward or sweetness to them.
John and Dolores said their favorites were the first and the last wines presented, the Esporao Monte Velho White and the Paripaso Cabernet Sauvignon.
I think those were my favorites as well. The Esporao really tasted like the description that was given “fresh and fruity aromas of apple, pear, white peach and a little citrus zest.” The Paripaso had a bit more fruit than I would expect. It also was a bit lighter, not a heavy wine. But if you save a bit and tried it with the bolder cheeses featured where Havarti Hill, British Coswold, Rembrandt Extra Aged Gouda and Camenbert) they were sampling then the flavors really jump out.
The Monte Antico was also an interesting wine. Very much a Tuscan wine. You really would enjoy this with a Tuscan dish. It’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
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Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC. 803-279-9522
When: Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Esporao Monte Velho White 2011
- Rosemount Traminer-Riesling 2011/2012
- Cupcake Moscato d’Asti 2012
- Monte Antico 2009
- Cupcake Shiraz 2010
- Paripaso Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Esporao Monte Velho White 2011
The 2011 Esporao Monte Velho White begins with a fresh and fruity aromas of apple, pear, white peach and a little citrus zest. It’s fresh, fruity and easy to drink with crisp acidity, a fresh citrus aspect & a nice spicy mineral streak. Rosemary & Lemon Pork Stew. Paella. Spanish omelette. Chicken Picatta. Seafood.
From: Alentejo, Portugal
Winery: Esporao
Year: 2011
Rosemount Traminer-Riesling 2011/2012
A delicious blend showing spicy tropical fruit & rose petal aromas with flavors emphasizing lychees, apricot, and spice. The Riesling component adds elegance, a lively floral character and a fine acidity which provides a nice balance. Very lightly sweet. Pair with spicy oriental dishes. Good choice for Thanksgiving turkey. Fun aperitif.
From: Southeastern Australia
Winery: Rosemount
Year: 2011/2012
Cupcake Moscato d’Asti 2012
Floral aromas with notes of peach lead to flavors of tropical fruits and lychee. A good example of Moscato from the town of Asti, this is a soft and luscious wine with a hint of effervescence that balances its sweetness. Enjoy with a dessert of fresh berries or sliced peaches and cream Fruit tarts & lightly sweet pastries. Enjoy as an aperitif.
From: Piedmont, Italy
Winery: Cupcake Vineyards
Year: 2012
Monte Antico 2009
A blend of 85% Sangiovese, with 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A classic Tuscan red! Full black cherry, plum, and violet aromas and flavors. Great balance, silky texture, soft tannins, and a lingering finish. Aged in Slovenian oak; a smaller portion in French oak. Enjoy with veal, pasta, risotto, osso bucco. Aged cheeses.
From: Tuscany, Italy
Winery: Monte Antico
Year: 2009
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Cupcake Shiraz 2010
Rich aromas of blackberry jam and ripe plums. Creamy blackberry flavors with a hint of mocha & black pepper. Very pretty fruit. Soft and supple tannins. Try it with spicy short ribs. BBQ. Steaks & Burgers. Steak au poivre.
From: Barossa Valley, Australia
Winery: Cupcake Vineyards
Year: 2010
Paripaso Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Aromas of currants, plums and cherries carry through to the flavor and are enhanced by savory herb elements and notes of vanilla and oak spice. A fruit-forward, appealing Cab with an easy finish. The name “Paripaso” combines “Paris” and “Paso Robles” to indicate a wine that combines old world charm and food- friendliness with Paso ripe fruit flavors. Beef stew in red wine sauce. Grilled lamb burgers with grilled peppers. Smoked Vermont Cheddar.
From: Paso Robles, California
Winery: Daou Vineyards
Year: 2009
